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Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, and Resurrection: Simple Ways to Create Meaning for the Season
How do you share the deep mysteries of Lent, Easter, and Resurrection with children? Parents, guardians, teachers, and ministers will find dozens of fun and easy practices for celebrating the Easter season with our kids. The practices and seasonal prayers are grouped into chapters titled Ash Wednesday, Symbols, Lenten Prayers, Lenten Refraining, Lenten Acts of Service, Holy Week, Easter Vigil and Easter Day, and the Season of Resurrection. Smith also offers theological notes guiding parents on addressing the violence of the crucifixion and the meaning of Jesus' death.
- GenresParenting
144 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2022
10 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 12, 2022
Great and easy ideas for families and for church leaders for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. I especially appreciated the Holy Week resources - to combine both honesty and age-appropriate engagement for this difficult week.
January 10, 2022
Many wonderful, simple ideas for practicing the Christian faith before, during, and after Lent/Easter. While this book is targeted towards families, many practices are appropriate for all ages.
April 2, 2024
Although I wouldn’t use all the ideas in the book with my kids, I did enjoy the creativity and will enjoy some new ideas with my kids
March 22, 2022
Quick read, fun and practical ideas to celebrate Lent, Easter, and the Resurrection season. I’ll definitely be applying several of these ideas.
January 6, 2022
Another fantastic resource from Traci Smith. I particularly loved the chapter on simplifying which gave examples of how to shift your focus instead of giving up things for Lent. I also found the chapter on symbols particularly helpful as a children's pastor. I look forward to sharing these and this book with our families and utilizing this amazing resource for years to come.
June 18, 2022
This book is a practical guide to use during Lent with your family. The book includes ideas and routines to use during Lent. Choose one routine and practice it during Lent. You can rotate a different practice each year. If you prefer one more than another, you can include that routine yearly plus add a different routine with it annually.
The spiritual process of Lent is a journey the whole family takes together. Your spiritual goals will grow and transform you and your family. During the spiritual journey you spend time in prayer and reflection. This will bring you closer to God and one another. This book has many traditions and activities that you can incorporate into your annual Lenten practices.
The first pillar of Lent is Prayer. This book has new ideas to try to incorporate in your prayer life. There are many prayers given that you may choose to use. One prayer may call to you more than another. Find the prayers that work best for you.
The Second Pillar of Lent is fasting. Your focus is on practices that are added or appreciated instead of focusing on what is given up or taken away. This is a nice way to ease your children into fasting. One example is to drink more water instead of giving up sugary drinks.
The Third Pillar of Lent is almsgiving. Everyone has gifts to give to others. Giving enhances our faith. An example to try with kids is giving to nature. Together as a family pick up trash outside, start a vegetable garden, use energy efficient light bulbs, and reduce the amount of trash by using recyclable and reusable items.
I truly enjoyed the Resurrection Eggs which use symbols to represent Jesus’ life, his death, and his resurrection. There are many activities, prayers, and reflections included for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. There are many lessons where we can learn about lent and Easter. I enjoyed reading the Bible verses that pertained to the important parts of Jesus’s life. I especially liked the prayers for Holy Week. This book will help you stay focused and bring the family closer to God. This book is a good addition to yearly Lent and Easter traditions. The book ends with the 50 days of Eastertide then Pentecost. This a good book to reread and reference yearly for the Lenten Season.
The author does have a few odd remarks in her book. “Science teaches us Big Bang theory.” “We are literally the stuff of stars.” “ Ecologists tell us that the amount of meat we consume has a negative effect on the planet.” “Our culture is a buy it, use it, throw it away type culture.” “White people (like me) need to be sensitive otherwise we reinforce stereotypes that white people help colored people.” These are just a few examples. She does have more remarks in her book that I did not list. These are statements made by the author that I do not believe belong in a book about Lent and Easter. I personally can overlook these statements because she does have some good ideas in the book. I would caution others who this might offend. Overall I give the book ***1/2 stars because of these odd statements. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The spiritual process of Lent is a journey the whole family takes together. Your spiritual goals will grow and transform you and your family. During the spiritual journey you spend time in prayer and reflection. This will bring you closer to God and one another. This book has many traditions and activities that you can incorporate into your annual Lenten practices.
The first pillar of Lent is Prayer. This book has new ideas to try to incorporate in your prayer life. There are many prayers given that you may choose to use. One prayer may call to you more than another. Find the prayers that work best for you.
The Second Pillar of Lent is fasting. Your focus is on practices that are added or appreciated instead of focusing on what is given up or taken away. This is a nice way to ease your children into fasting. One example is to drink more water instead of giving up sugary drinks.
The Third Pillar of Lent is almsgiving. Everyone has gifts to give to others. Giving enhances our faith. An example to try with kids is giving to nature. Together as a family pick up trash outside, start a vegetable garden, use energy efficient light bulbs, and reduce the amount of trash by using recyclable and reusable items.
I truly enjoyed the Resurrection Eggs which use symbols to represent Jesus’ life, his death, and his resurrection. There are many activities, prayers, and reflections included for Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. There are many lessons where we can learn about lent and Easter. I enjoyed reading the Bible verses that pertained to the important parts of Jesus’s life. I especially liked the prayers for Holy Week. This book will help you stay focused and bring the family closer to God. This book is a good addition to yearly Lent and Easter traditions. The book ends with the 50 days of Eastertide then Pentecost. This a good book to reread and reference yearly for the Lenten Season.
The author does have a few odd remarks in her book. “Science teaches us Big Bang theory.” “We are literally the stuff of stars.” “ Ecologists tell us that the amount of meat we consume has a negative effect on the planet.” “Our culture is a buy it, use it, throw it away type culture.” “White people (like me) need to be sensitive otherwise we reinforce stereotypes that white people help colored people.” These are just a few examples. She does have more remarks in her book that I did not list. These are statements made by the author that I do not believe belong in a book about Lent and Easter. I personally can overlook these statements because she does have some good ideas in the book. I would caution others who this might offend. Overall I give the book ***1/2 stars because of these odd statements. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
Faithful Families for Lent, Easter, & Resurrection is a very helpful guide for ministry leaders and parents who want to help children understand and participate in these sacred seasons in age-appropriate ways. Traci includes theological notes and practical tips for both parents and ministry leaders, which identify some of the challenges of talking about the death of Jesus in particular, as well as how to practice grace and gentleness in using the book and observing the seasons.
The book includes so many great ideas for things to do, I found it helpful to revisit these introductory sections after reading through the whole book - I needed the reminder to choose just a few things, to keep it simple, and remember that adding new things to your life means letting go of something else. As a parent, I definitely appreciate the encouragement to hold plans and intentions lightly, as kids don't always respond the way we hope they will!
As a clergy person not currently serving a church, I wish I had the opportunity to share this resource with families or use the ideas in the context of a ministry setting. I used Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas with our "Messy Church" families two years ago, and found it a wonderful resource. I am sure that pastors and children's ministry leaders will find this volume every bit as meaningful. Highly recommend.
The book includes so many great ideas for things to do, I found it helpful to revisit these introductory sections after reading through the whole book - I needed the reminder to choose just a few things, to keep it simple, and remember that adding new things to your life means letting go of something else. As a parent, I definitely appreciate the encouragement to hold plans and intentions lightly, as kids don't always respond the way we hope they will!
As a clergy person not currently serving a church, I wish I had the opportunity to share this resource with families or use the ideas in the context of a ministry setting. I used Faithful Families for Advent & Christmas with our "Messy Church" families two years ago, and found it a wonderful resource. I am sure that pastors and children's ministry leaders will find this volume every bit as meaningful. Highly recommend.
January 4, 2022
Traci Smith has done it again! As a ministry leader I am so thankful for her wisdom and passion for children and family ministry. She has created a book about the season of Lent, Easter, and Resurrection for families. This book has practical ideas for parents, ministry leaders, and children that follow this very important season to our faith. There are simple prayers, Bible reflections, and activities for all ages for people to follow along both at church and at home during the season of Lent. If you are a ministry leader or part of a Christian Education committee, I recommend this as a great gift for families in your congregation. I highly enjoyed reading this book. I will continue to re-visit as it is an invaluable resource.
Thank you to Traci and her team at Chalice Press for the ARC.
Thank you to Traci and her team at Chalice Press for the ARC.
January 5, 2022
A must have book for families interested in centering their faith during Lent. I love all of Traci Smith’s books and the Faithful families series. One of my favorite things about this book are Chapters 3,4, and 5. The three pillars of Lent are traditionally prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In Chapter 3, Traci provides wonderful prayers that I would feel comfortable sharing or leading with church families. Traci has adapted fasting to simplifying in Chapter 4. And in Chapter 5, she provides a wonderful reflection and prompts on giving, as well as the importance of receiving. Traci Smith has woven thoughtful theology throughout an incredibly practical book! Highly recommend for Christians.
Note: I was provided a free advance copy in exchange for my fair review and promotion. I was already planning to order copies for our church!
Note: I was provided a free advance copy in exchange for my fair review and promotion. I was already planning to order copies for our church!
January 16, 2022
This book is full to overflowing with REAL ideas for REAL families trying to incorporate some simple faith development activities at home. The activities are meaningful but not overly time or materials-consuming. They are perfectly suited for the busy household that wants to find ways to bring faith into their home. The author honors from the very first page that some families only have mere moments to spend and others have much longer spans of time, and that the activities in the book can accommodate all of those kinds of families and more. Activities and prayers are unbelievably practical and intentionally offer less violent and scary, but honest depictions of the journey to the cross. This is a must-have for families and a must-have for those doing ministry with children and families!
March 3, 2022
This is such a refreshing book for families around Easter time that is focused on bringing the joy and togetherness of the season without focusing on the more violent aspects of the crucifixion season. Full of lots of ideas for easily executed activities for young families and discussion points for older children, this is a great resource to be consulted for years to come. I've bookmarked so many things to do with my children during this Easter season I hope to keep as traditions to come closer as a family.
Definitely a must read for families hoping to draw closer to Christ in the Easter season.
Definitely a must read for families hoping to draw closer to Christ in the Easter season.
February 9, 2022
After discovering so many extraordinary ideas in Traci Smith's Faithful Families for Advent and Christmas, the fact that this collection is also stellar is far from a surprise. Whether you're a parent or caregiver looking for ways to tackle the darker matters that pervade Lent or build deeper traditions around the Easter story, or you work with children in a ministry context, this book is a vital resource. Smith's broad but careful approach to theology ensures that this book can be adapted across a range of contexts, while providing a net that guards against potentially harmful theologies.
March 14, 2022
This was a great, practical guide for families looking for ways to celebrate Lent and Easter, while looking to avoid heavy language of atonement and a lot of talk about death. Traci's ideas are fresh while being faithful to tradition and she offers a variety of ideas for families of every age and stage!
January 16, 2022
Traci Smith is awesome, insightful, helpful, graceful. This book offers plenty of activities for families to embody the powerful season of Lent. As a ministry leader, I love that. I love anything that offers theologically sound activities for families.
January 20, 2022
Wonderful resource by Traci Smith! I loved the reframing of the ways in which we talk about Holy Week and Easter. I am excited to share these with our church families and look forward to them growing in their faith through these practices.
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March 18, 2022Leading up to Easter, this is a helpful little book especially for parents desiring to celebrate purposefully with their families. There are many prayers and practices to choose from to incorporate in this season. In my opinion, most would be best be suited for early elementary aged children.
April 16, 2022
A wonderful book to read during the season of Lent. Lots of practical and fun ideas for celebrating and ways to enjoy this season and discuss with children. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book of activities to do with your family for Lent. It had a good variety, and I liked that it took emotional age appropriate-ness, as well as environmental and social issues into consideration!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy!
January 13, 2022
Traci offers thoughtful and practical resources that are wonderful for parents and ministers
June 13, 2022
The Faithful Families series offers a smorgasboard of helpful, age-appropriate ideas for new family traditons and activities. This small book for Lent and Easter ideas was excellent.
February 5, 2024
A few good ideas for celebrating Lent with younger kids
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April 29, 2022This book is a fantastic resource for families as well as those who have responsibilities in faith formation. The ideas move children (as well as adults) to think more meaningfully and theologically about this holy season. It gives thoughtful care to how children learn and appropriate ways to teach the difficult events of Jesus' last days. I was able to incorporate ideas into our children's worship time as well as provide activities to further the sharing and learning in the home. And there are plenty of ideas to use for years to come.
January 11, 2024
This was such a practical life affirming book full of ideas for how to fill the Lenten season with meaning for kids of all ages.
Smith has no problem celebrating the secular with the sacred and makes it clear that leading with the love God has for all of us is the best way to make Easter meaningful for our families. A lot of her ideas are general enough to be easily customizable for whatever age of kids you have, but yet still pack a lot of meaning and good clear remembrances of what this season is about.
I wanted to mark up the library copy of this that I borrowed so much, that I will be ordering it and her other family faith celebration guides, so that I can plan out some meaningful faith practices for my family without destroying library property.
Smith has no problem celebrating the secular with the sacred and makes it clear that leading with the love God has for all of us is the best way to make Easter meaningful for our families. A lot of her ideas are general enough to be easily customizable for whatever age of kids you have, but yet still pack a lot of meaning and good clear remembrances of what this season is about.
I wanted to mark up the library copy of this that I borrowed so much, that I will be ordering it and her other family faith celebration guides, so that I can plan out some meaningful faith practices for my family without destroying library property.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews